OSA Health Risks

The interruptions to breathing of an OSA sufferer can cause repeated arousals during sleep, disturbing normal sleep patterns.  Reduced oxygen intake can affect the brain and heart.  Left untreated, OSA is linked to a range of serious health-risks.  In particular:

• High Blood Pressure
• Irregular heart rythems or heart disease
• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Higher incidence of driving or work-related accidents

What are the Symptoms of OSA?

The major symptoms are:

• Loud Snoring
• Gasping or Choking during Sleep
• Overweight
• Excessive Day time sleepiness
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Rythem Irregularities

Other Common Symptoms include:

• Poor Concentration
• Grogginess and morning headaches
• Irritability & depression
• Frequent urination at night

It is important to seek effective treatment for OSA. If you suspect you have OSA, please consult you GP.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options available for those diagnosed with OSA. These are

• CPAP Therapy (see ‘What is CPAP’) – recognised as the most common form of treatment for OSA
• Oral Appliance Therapy, such as MAS (see ‘MAS’)
• Lifestyle modification
• Surgery